As part of its strategic reorientation, BMW Motorrad will be entering the segment below 500 cubic centimetres (cc). BMW Motorrad and the TVS Motor Company have signed a long-term cooperation agreement for this purpose.

The aim of the cooperation is to join forces to develop and produce motorcycles in the segment below 500 cc.

The various stages through to the finished serial production motorcycle will be planned by both partners but implemented with different focus areas on each side leveraging the strengths of both companies. The cooperation agreement involves the two companies each offering their own vehicle derivatives, which will be sold through their own distribution channels in India and across the globe.

"In view of changing motorcycle markets, demographic developments and increasing environmental demands we are expanding our product range so as to tap into fresh growth potential. We have a highly expert and experienced partner in the TVS Motor Company. This means that in future we will be able to offer vehicles in smaller capacity classes in addition to the BMW Motorrad core segments. Various types of motorcycle are conceivable. They will meet the expectations of a BMW motorcycle in terms of riding fun as well as setting a new benchmark when it comes to stability, agility and performance figures. I regard this long-term cooperation as an important step along the road to profitable, sustainable growth," said Stephan Schaller, President BMW Motorrad.

"With BMW Motorrad, we see an ideal long-term strategic partner who shares our core values - focus on quality, engineering prowess, innovation and customer satisfaction. We intend to leverage each other's strengths to deliver a new series of products offering cutting edge technology for our customers," said Venu Srinivasan, Chairman TVS Motor Company.